Old Fort, NC: The Gateway to the West By Meg Hale Brunton
At the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains lies the quaint town of Old Fort surrounded by the Pisgah National Forest. Known for its convenience to hiking trails and beautiful mountain views, Old Fort has been identified as “the gateway to the West.” For what is sometimes seen as a sleepy town, Old Fort has a rich history and has become a hotbed of artistic expression.
Outdoor Adventures
Catawba Falls
Located at the Southern tip of Pisgah National Forest’s Grandfather Ranger district, the falls, divided into two sections, are over 100 feet high. The river drops around 600n ft. in about half a mile. The Catawba Falls trail bridge, installed in July 2016, made it possible to visit the falls (no matter what the recent rainfall was) and not leave with your clothes soaked. The dam on the way up to the falls has been used to generate hydroelectric energy for the Old Fort area since the 1920s. It has a brand new parking area complete with a restroom. The Catawba Falls area will be closed until Spring 2023 for trail improvements.
Lake James State Park
Built by Duke Energy in 1916, Lake James boasts 6,812 acres of clear water lake and 150 miles of shoreline. The Lake James State Park includes 25 miles of trails, three campgrounds with multiple campsites of various accessibility, boat ramps, a concession stand (May-September) and canoe, kayak and paddleboard rentals.
Point Lookout Trail
The paved 3.62 mile trail ascends more than 900n feet deep into the Pisgah National Forest and through the Royal Gorge. While it is a steady climb up to the famous Point Lookout, the fantastic long-range views, including rail tunnels, make the hike worth it. Remember, it’s all downhill back to the car.
Historic Sites & Tours
Mountain Gateway Museum
Explore and celebrate the cultural history of WNC at the Mountain Gateway Museum. The center’s collection includes preserved artifacts and other historical materials related to the historical heritage of NC, from the mountains to the Piedmont. The museum also features a variety of activities and events, including Musica Jam and the PATH Outdoor Explorer Pack.
Old Fort Railroad Museum
Learn the exciting history of the WNC Railroad, a system of 84 tracks that once connected Salisbury to Morganton, and its impact on the region. Completely renovated in 2005, the rail museum features fascinating artifacts and exhibits, including photos, original tools, and signal lights. Explore the retired caboose and the Old Fort Depot building, built in the 1890s.
Food & Beer
Old Fort Ride House
Originally made to be a gathering place for cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts, the Old Fort Ride House has become a popular locale for friends of all walks of life to hang out. Serving local food, snacks, espresso, coffee and beer, the Old Fort Ride House also sells premium cycling apparel, offers bicycle servicing, and even has on-staff rangers to help plan your next adventure.
Whistle Stop Pizza & Subs
For the best in specialty-made pizzas and sandwiches, look no further than Whistle Stop Pizza & Subs, located right on Main Street. Whistle Stop offers all of your favorite toppings for pizzas, sandwiches and strombolis. Their portions are generous, and their prices affordable.
GoGo’s
Enjoy a cup of locally-roasted coffee and a scratch-baked cinnamon roll in the cozy sitting area at GoGo's Oven. Wendy Lewis opened the bakery out of her turn of the century home where her grandmother (who taught her everything she knows about cooking) lived for almost 70 years. The bakery business grew quickly and she opened a new brick and mortar business on Main Street in April 2022.
Arts
Arrowhead Gallery & Studios
After retiring to Old Fort, Helen Sullivan and her husband John wanted to contribute to the downtown area. So, they started a non-profit art association, the Arrowhead Artists and Artisans League. In 2010, the organization opened Arrowhead Gallery and Studios right across the street from the Old Fort Visitors Center. The gallery and association has been a catalyst for change in Old Fort, as well as providing a home for the works of many local artists. In addition to being a gallery and studio, the Arrowhead offers classes and workshops out of their classrooms, including two separate classrooms that are devoted solely to working with clay and pottery.
FireFly Arts
Mathilda Potter is a popular Old Fort potter who maintains a studio on Catawba Avenue and teaches classes at Arrowhead Gallery & Studios. Potter has a passion for lovingly handmade local fine art and functional pottery. Her creations range from ornate mugs and bowls, to her delightful punk’ins in a wide range of sizes and colors.
Shops & Salons
Roots Salon
Operated by twin sisters from Old Fort, Roots Salon specializes in the latest hair colors, men’s and women’s cuts, waxing, and even manicures and pedicures. They profess to love making their clients look and feel better. If you’re looking for some TLC for your hair, reach out to the talented and knowledgeable ladies at Roots!
Painters Greenhouse
This planter’s paradise is a hidden gem located just off the beaten path in Old Fort. For almost 50 years, Planters Greenhouse has been attracting gardeners from all across the state to explore its extensive inventory of supplying healthy, affordable, locally-grown plants of all kinds, including pollinators, annuals and perennials, and even unique houseplants. If you have even a slightly-green thumb, this place is not one to miss!
Contrary to its unassuming demeanor, the charming town of Old Fort boasts some of the most breathtaking hiking locales in WNC, as well as an up-and-coming downtown scene. While it may be the ‘Gateway to the West,’ it is also an entryway to fun and family-friendly adventures!
Visit www.townofoldfort.org
Photo Credit: Leah Grace Photography